Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced new state-of-the-art amphibious excavator machines at key locations in the city to enhance drainage network cleaning. These machines, with long and short booms, are set up at Badusarai Bridge, Najafgarh Drain, and Pankha Road Drain to expedite desilting, garbage removal, and water hyacinth clearance. The initiative aims to boost water drainage capacity and mitigate waterlogging issues during the monsoon.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging modern technology for drain cleaning and Yamuna River restoration. The event, graced by Delhi Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh and Ashish Sood, witnessed the deployment of these advanced machines. Notably, the Najafgarh Drain, responsible for handling a significant portion of the city’s silt, is a focal point for these efforts.
Acknowledging the historical challenge posed by accumulated silt in the drain, the Chief Minister highlighted the newfound feasibility enabled by the modern floating machines. These amphibious excavators can access the drain’s core, directly extracting silt and expediting the removal of long-standing sludge. With over 10 million metric tonnes of silt estimated in the Najafgarh Drain, the newly introduced machines are crucial for addressing this substantial accumulation.
The Delhi government’s decision to acquire additional amphibious machines underscores its commitment to comprehensive drain maintenance. While one machine was previously acquired, four new machines were inaugurated recently, with more to follow soon. By extending desilting activities year-round, the government aims to proactively prevent waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season.
